Hagia Sophia

Alexis Gritchenko: A refugee artist in a city under occupation

Previously set to be held between February and May this year, the Alexis Gritchenko exhibition, featuring works between 1919 and 1921, was delayed due to the coronavirus. It will be open from now until November at Istanbul’s Mesher exhibition space.

Turkey's Chora Museum to reopen as mosque

Chora, converted into a museum in Turkey in 1945, to reopen for Muslim prayers after presidential decree.

Qushji: an anti-Aristotelian astronomer, a Muslim genius of Hagia Sophia

Qushji’s great mathematical mind profoundly impacted the science of astronomy. His knowledge was borrowed by scholars worldwide, mainly the Indian subcontinent.

Attempts to make Hagia Sophia a US-Turkey crisis have failed

The decision was not met with the kind of hysteria that some tried, and failed, to impose on it.

Turkey slams burning of its flag in Greece over Hagia Sophia

Turkey's foreign ministry says Greece showcased its hostility against Islam and Turkey once again under the pretext of showing reaction against the reopening of the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque for worship.

Hagia Sophia Friday prayer: full transcript of the sermon

This is the full transcript of the first Friday prayer sermon since the Hagia Sophia’s restoration to a mosque.

How the Ottoman architect Sinan helped Hagia Sophia survive for centuries

Mimar Sinan, an undisputedly greatest architect of the Ottoman era, constructed supporting blocks and minarets around Hagia Sophia in the 16th century, reinforcing its dome and increasing its longevity.

Muslims perform first Friday prayer at Hagia Sophia mosque in 86 years

A fortnight ago a Turkish court ruled that the 1934 decree converting the historic site into a museum was not legal, paving the way for its restoration as a mosque.

Little-known facts about the Hagia Sophia

Some marbles carry the writings of the Vikings, some doors carry the weight of jaw-dropping myths. The great Hagia Sophia houses many secrets within its magnificent walls. Here are some.

Hagia Sophia masterpiece mosaics to be preserved

Turkey's presidential spokesperson has said the art, artefacts and architecture of the historic building will not be damaged. A Turkish court annulled a 1934 decree to restore Hagia Sophia's status as a mosque, with the first prayers set for July 24.

Erdogan: Egypt's actions in Libya are illegal

Turkey has been providing military aid to the Tripoli-based government in the Libya conflict, while Egypt, the UAE and Russia have backed warlord Khalifa Haftar.

Russian tourists to benefit from Hagia Sophia status change

Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the Hagia Sophia decision would not harm relations between Moscow and Ankara.